Tisanes - the other "tea"

In the first lesson, we answered the $64,000 question: "What is tea?" In this second infusion, we'll turn the teacup and tackle the question, "What is not tea?"

A confusing attribute of tea is that many of the beverages that are called "tea" are actually not tea. Herbal teas, which tea experts term Tisanes (a French word for "herbal infusion"), are usually dried flowers, fruits or herbs infused with boiling water-no actual tea leaves are included. Historically imbibed for medicinal reasons or as a caffeine-free alternative, many Tisanes are beginning to find their own popularity outside the tea world.

Virtually any flower, fruit or herb that can be ingested can become a Tisane. Just take a trip to your local health food store and you'll find dozens of "medicinal herbal teas" boasting a variety of benefits from relaxation to rejuvenation. In this lesson, we'll just focus on a few of the more noteworthy Tisanes: some old classics, some new favorites.

The first and arguably most famous Tisane finds its roots in ancient Egypt. The first recorded mention of Chamomile being chugged was in a document known as the Ebers Papyrus, dating back to 1550 BC. Used to honor the gods, embalm the dead and cure the sick, Chamomile has endured a lasting fame. This light, sweet, apple-like concoction is still revered for its uncanny (caffeine-free) calming effect.

A Johnny-come-lately to the Tisane scene, Rooibos, is quickly stealing the spotlight from its Camellia cousin, green tea. Also known as "Red Bush Tea" or simply "Red Tea," Rooibos was introduced to the beverage world as a substitute for black tea. During World War II, virtually all supplies of Japanese and Chinese teas suddenly became unavailable. The tea-addicted Western culture scoured the world for an alternative, finally discovering caffeine-free Rooibos. However, recent health benefits attributed to Rooibos are allowing it to emerge from the shadows as a legitimate drink in itself. Exclusive to South Africa, Rooibos' cool, refreshing flavor is now enjoyed worldwide.

Peppermint has been used as a caffeine-free home remedy aiding digestion and soothing the stomach for millennia, dating back to the Greeks. During these times, tables were rubbed with Peppermint to make dining more pleasant. However, not all herbal teas were so pleasant at the time-some were, in fact, deadly. Philosophers will kindly remind us that Socrates, the father of modern thought, was sentenced to death by drinking a brew known as Hemlock. Hemlock, however, is unavailable in many cafes, due to its unfortunate side effects.

Finally, the newest drink to say "olá" to the herbal market is called Yerba Mate. This South American herbal tea has been lauded as a cultural phenomenon that both energizes and remedies the body. While the taste tends to be quite unusual to newcomers, many folks endure the malaise to receive the benefits. Originally stranded in the obscurity of the niche cultural market, it has now been introduced to the US as a substitute for coffee (in that doesn't contain the toxins, but still stimulates) and is attracting wider attention.

More frequently than not, however, one will find herbal blends, mixtures of the tisanes mentioned and many others. The wide diversity of tisanes available makes the combination possibilities virtually unlimited.

No longer a drink merely for the pregnant, caffeine-sensitive or those trying to catch some z's, Herbals have found a new place in the market. Tisanes are beginning to infuse culture with a wide range of taste and astounding array of benefits. They have now parted ways with bigger brothers Coffee and Tea and their independence should be recognized.

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